Friday, March 02, 2012

POET(S) NEEDED

The last TWT year-long reading project was "Cutting In." It revolved around the work of Herman Melville, and specifically Moby-Dick.

This year's reading project is "Wild Rumors of Reality." I built it with The Exegesis of Philip K. Dick, edited by Pamela Jackson and Jonathan Lethem, as its foundational text.

Then, I began to read or re-read Philip K. Dick novels mentioned or referenced in The Exegesis. A few other non-PKD novels started to revolve around The Exegesis, although they seem to fit with what I have noted as themes of interest to me.

Below is a list of books in various stages of being read, some completed, as well as a couple of related films. I also have a few books to seek out.

But I need your help, dear reader. I am looking for works a poet (or poets) whose work fits into the "Wild Rumors of Reality" reading project. I need your suggestions and recommendations.

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Possible themes of poetry (and of "Wild Rumors"):

-Reality

-Alternate reality/realities

-Alternate timeline/history

-Science fiction or surrealism

-Religious overtones

-Metaphysics

And to a lesser extent, although it seems rather foundational to PKD's work:

Novels currently included in the "Wild Rumors of Reality" reading project:

-The Exegesis of Philip K. Dick by Philip K. Dick

-VALIS by Philip K. Dick

-Ubik by Philip K. Dick

-The Divine Invasion by Philip K. Dick

-1Q84 by Haruki Murakami

-These Dreams of You by Steve Erickson

Non-fiction or short fiction currently included in the "Wild Rumors of Reality" reading project:

-What If Our World Is Their Heaven?: The Final Conversations of Philip K. Dick edited by Gwen Lee and Doris Elaine Sauter

-Counterfeit Worlds: Philip K. Dick on Film by Brian J. Robb

-Selected Stories of Philip K. Dick by Philip K. Dick

Films currently included in the "Wild Rumors of Reality" reading project:

-A Scanner Darkly by Richard Linklater

-Minority Report by Steven Spielberg

-Blade Runner by Ridley Scott

-The Adjustment Bureau by George Nolfi

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If you would, then please review the above themes and works, and leave recommendations of the work of a contemporary poet (or poets) who dabbles in or tackles these same issues (in comments about this post).

COLOPHON

Troy's Work Table is a collection of observations, notes, quotes, ramblings, experiments, photographs, and tales that revolve primarily around a few key categories—books, art, beer, wanderings, and more. It is a work in progress. It is a series of obsessions. It is a kaleidoscope. Enjoy!